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NHL Playoffs 2013: Eastern Conference Seedings and Matchups Set

By Josh Hill

April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) reacts after an empty net goal by center Kyle Turris (7) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) reacts after an empty net goal by center Kyle Turris (7) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) reacts after an empty net goal by center Kyle Turris (7) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) reacts after an empty net goal by center Kyle Turris (7) during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The final NHL game of the regular season wrapped up tonight, and the Ottawa Senators managed to beat the Boston Bruins and secure the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. More so, the Senators win on Sunday solidified the Eastern Conference playoff picture and all that’s left is to find out when the games will be played.

NHL Western Conference Playoff Matchups

1Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 8New York Islanders
2Montreal Canadiens vs. 7Ottawa Senators
3Washington Capitals vs. 6New York Rangers
4Boston Bruins vs. 5Toronto Maple Leafs

Pittsburgh had the No. 1 seed wrapped up some time ago, and the rest of the field really knew they were going to the Stanley Cup playoffs, it was just a matter of where everyone would finish.

Ottawa’s win propelled them from the 8-seed to the 7-seed and a showdown with the Montreal Canadiens rather than the Penguins. But unlike the Western Conference, the Penguins aren’t as sure of a bet as the Blackhawks are, and with Sidney Crosby out yet again, Pittsburgh may not last long. Their opening round series against the New York Islanders isn’t going to be a seven game series, but it might not be the cake walk it otherwise would have been.

Boston lost to Ottawa on Sunday but they finish with the 4-seed and face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening round. But the best matchup is going to be a battle between the No. 3 Washington Capitals and No. 6 New York Rangers. Last year the Rangers controlled the Eastern Conference but this year they’ll have to battle their way to the Conference Finals.

Now that both fields are set, we can finally get ourselves ready for some playoff hockey. There are classic matchups all over the map and this postseason should be a wild and crazy ride.

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